ow--we've got to get
busy!"

"It's sure death to enter that!" Hawkins cried as another huge tongue
of flame shot heavenward, sending the boys reeling back. "You'll only
throw your lives away!"

"I can't help it--we must do something! We can't see them burned to
death!"

At that moment Bud felt a tug at his sleeve. He jerked around. At his
elbow was the Mexican cook. He motioned to himself, then toward the
cellar. Then he leaped forward.

"Follow him!" Bud cried. "He knows how to get in safely!"

With a rush the others were on the heels of the Mexican.

"Someone has got to stay here--help them out if we do get them!"
exclaimed Hawkins. "Nort--you and Dick wait!"

Bud was directly behind the Mexican. He saw the man disappear down
into the smoke, and taking a full breath, the boy followed. He found
himself below ground, and for a moment hesitated to get his bearings.
The air was choking, but the heat was not intolerable. The fire had
not quite reached the lower floor.

There was no time to be lost, for any minute the building might
collapse and bury them. Bud plunged on. He could see faintly now, and
he caught a glimpse of a figure in front of him, beckoning.

"Go--ahead!" the boy gasped. "Coming!"

A few steps further and he stumbled against a door. At his side was
the Mexican, pointing. Bud pushed frantically, but the door refused to
budge. Then he found the reason. It was bolted.

"You--you locked them in! You inhuman----"

He saw the Mexican shrug his shoulders. Even in the burning building
the Latin's philosophical mind did not desert him.

Bud struggled with the bolt. It stuck. He strove with all his
strength--and the door flew open. The boy stumbled in. His foot
struck a body stretched upon the floor.

He reached down and lifted the unconscious man to his shoulder. Behind
him he heard a voice. It was that of Yellin' Kid.

"Give him here!" The Kid seized the limp form and passed it to someone
at his side. "We'll get 'em out like a bucket-brigade! Pass 'em to
me, Bud!"

Through the smoke Bud groped his way. His hand encountered another
body. In a moment he lifted the man and passed him to the Kid. His
head felt as if it were bursting, but on he struggled, seeking, hands
outstretched. He passed another body out to the Kid. Another. Then
he heard a moan and turned toward it. A man lay against the wall. His
hands moved feebly, and even in the smoke and gloom Bud,